You Can Eat Beneath The Sea And Play In A 16-Lane Arcade At This Florida Restaurant
Bass Pro Shops in Destin isn’t just another sporting goods store. Hidden inside this wilderness-themed retail paradise is Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl and Grill, a one-of-a-kind dining and entertainment destination that combines fresh seafood, arcade-style bowling, and an underwater dining atmosphere that’ll make you feel like you’re eating in Atlantis. Whether you’re shopping for fishing gear or just looking for a memorable meal with the family, this spot delivers an experience you won’t find anywhere else on the Emerald Coast.
1. A Massive Aquarium That Steals The Show
Walk into Bass Pro Shops in Destin and your eyes immediately lock onto the giant aquarium teeming with colorful fish, sharks, and other sea creatures. This isn’t some tiny tank tucked in a corner. We’re talking about a serious underwater showcase that stretches high and wide, giving you front-row seats to watch pufferfish glide past, rays cruise along the bottom, and schools of fish dart between rock formations.
Families gather around this thing like it’s the main event, and honestly, it kind of is. Kids press their noses against the glass while parents snap photos, and everyone seems to forget they came here to buy tackle boxes. The aquarium creates this calming vibe that makes you want to linger, even if you’ve got a shopping list waiting.
Multiple reviews mention coming here just to watch the fish, treating it like a free mini-aquarium visit. One visitor specifically called out watching the pufferfish as a highlight before getting interrupted by timeshare salespeople, which is a whole different story. But the tank itself?
Pure magic.
The best part is that it’s completely free to enjoy, and it sets the tone for the whole Bass Pro experience. You’re not just in a store anymore. You’ve stepped into an outdoor lover’s theme park where nature takes center stage, even indoors.
2. Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl And Grill Brings The Fun
Tucked inside Bass Pro Shops is Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl and Grill, a restaurant and entertainment combo that feels like eating inside a submarine. The whole place is decked out with underwater theming, complete with murals of sea life, fishing boat decor, and that signature Bass Pro wilderness charm. You can grab burgers, seafood baskets, and classic American fare while soaking in the aquatic atmosphere.
But here’s where it gets interesting. This isn’t just a sit-down restaurant. Uncle Buck’s features a 16-lane bowling alley, except these aren’t your typical lanes.
We’re talking boutique bowling with a twist, smaller balls, shorter lanes, and a vibe that’s way more arcade than serious sport. It’s perfect for families, date nights, or anyone who wants to bowl a few frames without committing to a full league night. Kids absolutely love it because it feels like a game instead of a chore.
The menu keeps things simple but satisfying. Think fried shrimp, fish tacos, loaded nachos, and plenty of kid-friendly options. Nothing fancy, but everything hits the spot after you’ve been wandering the store or knocking down pins.
And because it’s inside Bass Pro, you can literally shop, eat, bowl, and check out the aquarium all in one trip. That’s the kind of efficiency Florida families appreciate, especially when you’re trying to keep everyone entertained without driving all over town.
3. Two Stories Of Outdoor Gear And Apparel
Bass Pro Shops in Destin sprawls across two levels packed with everything an outdoor enthusiast could dream up. Fishing rods line the walls like a forest of graphite and fiberglass. Hunting gear fills entire sections with camouflage patterns in every shade imaginable.
Camping equipment, kayaks, coolers, boots, hats, sunglasses, and enough tackle to stock a small marina all compete for your attention.
The upstairs area offers even more, including clothing lines that range from technical fishing shirts with SPF protection to casual beachwear perfect for the Emerald Coast lifestyle. One reviewer specifically praised the big man sizes available, noting that Bass Pro caters to a wider range of body types than most outdoor retailers. That attention to inclusivity matters when you’re trying to find quality gear that actually fits.
Staff members roam the floor ready to help, and multiple reviews highlight how knowledgeable and patient they are. A guy named Rick got a shoutout for teaching a teenage girl fishing basics and spooling her reel twice without a hint of frustration. Another employee named Carol earned praise for helping a customer find SPF gloves and then pointing out sales without being pushy.
The store does feel a bit cramped in spots, especially if you’re navigating in a wheelchair or with a stroller. Several reviews mention tight aisles and a somewhat congested layout, which is surprising given the building’s size.
4. Convenient Location At Destin Commons
Finding Bass Pro Shops in Destin couldn’t be easier. The store sits right in the heart of Destin Commons, a major shopping and entertainment complex that draws locals and tourists year-round. You can park practically at the front door, which is a blessing when you’re hauling kids or planning to leave with a cart full of gear.
The location puts you within walking distance of other shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, making it easy to build a whole day around one stop. Grab breakfast nearby, hit Bass Pro for shopping and lunch at Uncle Buck’s, then wander over to catch a movie or browse other stores. That kind of clustering makes trip planning simple, especially during peak tourist season when you want to maximize your time.
A giant shark statue greets you out front, and it’s become an unofficial photo op for families passing through. Multiple reviewers mention snapping pictures with the shark, treating it like a Destin landmark. It’s cheesy in the best way possible, the kind of roadside attraction that makes kids squeal and gives parents a quick Instagram moment.
The store operates seven days a week, opening at 9 AM most days and staying open until 9 PM Monday through Saturday. Sundays run shorter hours, 10 AM to 7 PM, which is perfect for a post-beach stop or a lazy afternoon browse. With a 4.4-star rating from over 3,600 reviews, it’s clear this location delivers consistently.
5. Clean Facilities And Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Cleanliness might not be the sexiest topic, but when you’re spending hours in a store with kids, it matters. Bass Pro Shops in Destin consistently earns praise for keeping the place spotless. Restrooms are clean and well-maintained, though they’re located upstairs via a single staircase in the back corner, which some reviewers found inconvenient.
One customer suggested adding more stair access points for better flow, which seems reasonable given the store’s size and foot traffic.
The family-friendly vibe runs deep here. Dogs are welcome, and one reviewer mentioned their pup Cocoa having a blast during their visit. Staff members treat everyone with patience and respect, from first-time anglers to seasoned outdoorsmen.
That welcoming energy makes Bass Pro feel less like a retail transaction and more like a community gathering spot.
Multiple parents mentioned using Bass Pro as a go-to destination for free entertainment. The aquarium alone can keep kids occupied for 20 minutes, and when you add in the novelty of giant stuffed animals, boat displays, and wilderness dioramas scattered throughout, you’ve got a recipe for easy family fun that doesn’t cost a dime unless you actually buy something.
Even the checkout process gets compliments. One reviewer noted how quickly the lines moved despite the store’s popularity, and parking right outside the door means you’re not hauling purchases across a massive lot in the Florida heat.
6. Helpful Staff Who Go The Extra Mile
Customer service can make or break a shopping experience, and Bass Pro Shops in Destin clearly invests in training staff who actually care. Rick, Carol, and several unnamed employees earned specific shoutouts in reviews for going above and beyond. Rick spent time teaching a teenage girl how to fish, spooled her reel, and then fixed it again when she tangled the line before even leaving the parking lot.
No eye rolls, no impatience, just genuine helpfulness.
Carol helped a customer find SPF fishing gloves and then mentioned clothing sales in a way that felt friendly rather than pushy. That’s a fine line to walk in retail, and it sounds like Bass Pro’s team nails it more often than not. One review called the Destin location’s staff “the very best” compared to Bass Pro shops in other states, crediting management for fostering that culture.
Of course, not every interaction is perfect. A couple of negative reviews mention issues with checkout staff and aggressive timeshare salespeople operating inside the store, which apparently aren’t Bass Pro employees but third-party vendors. One customer felt pressured and misled about a vacation package that turned out to be a timeshare pitch, and when they complained, store management didn’t follow through on callbacks.
Another disabled veteran was treated rudely at checkout when a cashier shut off his light without clear communication.
Those incidents seem to be outliers based on the overall review pattern, but they’re worth noting.
7. Special Perks For Boat Buyers And Loyalty Members
Buy a boat at Bass Pro Shops in Destin and you’re not just getting a vessel. One customer mentioned scoring a $250 gift card plus another card offering 10% off everything for two years after their boat purchase. That’s the kind of perk that turns a major investment into ongoing savings, especially if you’re outfitting a new boat with rods, reels, electronics, safety gear, and all the other essentials that add up fast.
Even without buying a boat, Bass Pro runs regular sales that make stocking up on outdoor gear more affordable. Multiple reviewers mentioned finding deals on clothing, fishing equipment, and accessories. One shopper drove three hours from home and called ahead to confirm they had a specific Dyna-Glo vertical propane smoker in stock, and Bass Pro came through when stores closer to home couldn’t help.
The store also participates in seasonal events like free Santa photos during the holidays, which one family called a “fast process” with a great Santa. Those little touches build loyalty and give families reasons to return beyond just shopping needs.
With a phone number that actually gets answered and staff willing to check inventory or order items, Bass Pro functions like an old-school retailer that values relationships over quick transactions. In an era of online shopping and impersonal big-box stores, that approach stands out, especially in a tourist-heavy area like Destin where visitors might only stop in once but locals return weekly.
8. A Destination Worth The Drive
Multiple reviewers mentioned driving significant distances to visit Bass Pro Shops in Destin, with one family making a three-hour trip and another coming from out of state. That’s not typical behavior for a sporting goods store, but Bass Pro isn’t typical. The combination of vast selection, unique atmosphere, entertainment options, and that massive aquarium creates a destination experience rather than just a shopping errand.
One dad brought his son after a doctor’s appointment and treated it like a special outing, watching the kid explore “an outdoor paradise” for hours. Another reviewer called it a weekly trip “even if it’s just to walk around,” treating Bass Pro like a free museum where you can also buy fishing lures. That’s the magic of this place.
You can show up with no intention of buying anything and still have a great time.
The store’s size means you could genuinely spend an entire day here if you wanted to browse every section, eat at Uncle Buck’s, bowl a few games, and watch the fish for a while. Several reviews mention exactly that, with families building full outings around a Bass Pro visit rather than treating it as a quick stop.
For tourists staying in Destin, it’s become a must-see attraction that ranks alongside beaches and seafood restaurants. For locals, it’s a reliable spot for quality gear, helpful service, and a dose of outdoor inspiration even when you can’t actually get outside.
